害
KANJI DETAIL
harm
On readingがい10 strokesN2
Radical 宀 · roofStroke order
Loading the stroke order for 害.
Japanese readings
- On reading
- がい
- Kun reading
- None
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
害conveys harm or damage; its on-reading isがい. - Basic usage:
被害（ひがい）means damage suffered, while害（がい）means harm or damage.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Damage suffered and the relationship of causing harm
被害が出たmeans that damage occurred, as in the orchard struck by strong winds.被害を広げないmeans preventing existing damage from spreading.害を与えないmeans not causing harm, and作物への害refers to harm to crops. Both words can translate as damage, so their surrounding expressions help clarify the meaning.